Group C

NORTHERN IRELAND keeper Michael McGovern is desperate to secure a seeded spot in theWorld Cup play-offs to avoid facing Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

After losing 3-1 at home to the world champions Germany on Thursday night, Michael O’Neill’s men want to finish their qualifying campaign on a high in Norway tonight. Knowing that Italy are involved in next month’s play-offs and Portugal may be, McGovern admits Northern Ireland would stand a much better chance of reaching next year’s finals in Russia if they do not have to face either of them in November. The former Manchester United hero Ronaldo has previous against Northern Ireland, scoring a stunning hat-trick at Windsor Park to inspire his side to a 4-2 victory four years ago.

“If we do enough to be seeded it would be a big plus,” said Norwich City’s McGovern. “If you were to be drawn against Italy or Portugal you would be kicking yourself that you didn’t get it because Italy are such a strong team, as are Portugal who have one of the best players around in Cristiano Ronaldo.” Midfielder Oliver Norwood, on loan at Fulham from